Textbook-Integrated Guide to Educational Resources

TIGER

Fog Machines, Vapors, and Phase DiagramsEd VitzThis series of demonstrations elucidate the operation of commercial fog machines using common laboratory materials and can be adapted for elementary through tertiary levels. The formation of fogs is discussed in terms of the phase diagram for water and other chemical principles.Vitz, Ed. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 1385.

Dancing Crystals: A Dramatic Illustration of Intermolecular ForcesDonald W. MundellCrystals of naphthalene form on the surface of an acetone solution and dance about in an animated fashion illustrating surface tension, crystallization, and intermolecular forces. Additional experiments reveal the properties of the solution and previous demonstrations of surface motion are explored.Mundell, Donald W. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 1773.

Enthalpy of Vaporization and Vapor Pressures: An Inexpensive ApparatusRubin Battino, David A. Dolson, Michael R. Hall, and Trevor M. LetcherDescribes an inexpensive apparatus for the determination of the vapor pressure of a liquid as a function of temperature for the purpose of calculating enthalpy changes of vaporization. Also described are a simple air thermostat and an inexpensive temperature controller based on an integrated temperature sensor.Battino, Rubin; Dolson, David A.; Hall, Michael R.; Letcher, Trevor M. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 822.

Titration of a Solid Acid Monitored By X-Ray DiffractionKeenan E. Dungey and Paul EpsteinPresents a solid-state laboratory in which students react fixed amounts of zirconium phosphate with increasing equivalents of NaOH(aq). From X-ray diffraction patterns, students calculate the interplanar spacings before and after the reaction. The spacings increase until the molar equivalence point is reached, indicating incorporation of the sodium ion into the crystal.Dungey, Keenan E.; Epstein, Paul. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 122.

Teaching Physical Chemistry Experiments with a Computer Simulation by LabVIEWA. Belletti, R. Borromei, and G. InglettoThis article reports on a computer simulation developed with the software LabVIEW of the physical chemistry experiment regarding the vapor pressure measurements of a pure liquid as a function of temperature, as well as a system of data collecting that emphasizes the similarities between the virtual and real experiment.Belletti, A.; Borromei, R.; Ingletto, G. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 1353.

Introduction to Photolithography: Preparation of Microscale Polymer SilhouettesKimberly L. Berkowski, Kyle N. Plunkett, Qing Yu, and Jeffrey S. MooreIn this experiment, a glass microscope slide acts as the microchip. Students can pattern this "microchip" by layering negative photoresist on the slide using a solution containing monomer, crosslinker, photoinitiator, and dye. The students then cover the photoresist with a photomask, which is the negative of a computer-generated image or text printed on transparency film, and illuminate it with UV light. The photoresist in the exposed area polymerizes into a polymer network with a shape dictated by the photomask. The versatility of this technique is exemplified by allowing each student to fabricate virtually any shape imaginable, including his or her silhouette. Berkowski, Kimberly L.; Plunkett, Kyle N.; Yu, Qing; Moore, Jeffrey S. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1365.

Materials Science |

Applications of Chemistry |

Free Radicals |

Polymerization

Rotational Mobility in a Crystal Studied by Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy. An Experiment for the Physical Chemistry LaboratoryMadalena S. C. Dionísio, Hermínio P. Diogo, J. P. S. Farinha, and Joaquim J. Moura-RamosIn this article we present a laboratory experiment for an undergraduate physical chemistry course. The purpose of this experiment is the study of molecular mobility in a crystal using the technique of dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. The experiment illustrates important physical chemistry concepts. The background of the experimental technique deals with the concepts of orientational and induced polarization and frequency-dependent relative permittivity (or dielectric constant). The kinetic concepts of temperature-dependent relaxation time, activation energy, and activation entropy are involved in the concept of molecular mobility. Dionísio, Madalena S. C.; Diogo, Hermínio P.; Farinha, J. P. S.; Moura-Ramos, Joaquim J. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1355.

Empirical Formulas and the Solid State: A ProposalWilliam B. JensenThis brief article calls attention to the failure of most introductory textbooks to point out explicitly the fact that nonmolecular solids do not have molecular formulas and suggests some practical remedies for improving textbook coverage of this subject. The inadequacies of the terms "empirical formula" and "molecular formula" are also discussed, and the terms "relative compositional formula" and "absolute compositional formula" are proposed as more appropriate alternatives. Jensen, William B. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 1772.

Solid State Chemistry |

Solids |

Stoichiometry |

Nomenclature / Units / Symbols

Using Organic Light-Emitting Electrochemical Thin-Film Devices To Teach Materials ScienceHannah Sevian, Sean Müller, Hartmut Rudmann, and Michael F. RubnerLight-emitting thin films provide an excellent opportunity to learn about principles of electrochemistry, spectroscopy, microscopic structure of the solid state, basic circuits, and engineering design. There is currently strong interest in academic and industrial engineering research centering on developing organic light-emitting devices for applications in flat panel displays. In this educational module, designed for high school or introductory undergraduate courses, students learn how to make a ruthenium-based thin-film device. In the process, they learn about the solid-state electrochemistry at work in the film, as well as the electroluminescence that results when current passes through the device.Sevian, Hannah; Müller, Sean; Rudmann, Hartmut; Rubner, Michael F. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 1620.

Thermodynamics of Water Superheated in the Microwave OvenB. H. ErnéWater is conveniently heated above its normal boiling point in a microwave oven in a glass microwave oven teapot. Water stops boiling soon after heating is interrupted, but subsequently added rough particles can still act as nucleation centers for a brief, spectacular burst of steam bubbles. The heat to make those steam bubbles obviously comes from the water itself, so that one can conclude that the boiling water was superheated, which is confirmed with a thermometer.Erné, B. H. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 1309.

Thermodynamics |

Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |

Water / Water Chemistry |

Liquids

Turbulent Motion in Ethyl Acetate-Water SystemJamil Ahmad4 mL of ethyl acetate is added to 10 mL of water in a Petri dish. Within a minute or so, an image of turbulent motion appears on the screen, at first at a few centers that eventually organize themselves in a line. The image of the line of turbulence is quite striking and resembles a moving front of dancing flames.Ahmad, Jamil. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 1182.

Preparation and Properties of an Aqueous FerrofluidPatricia Enzel, Nicholas B. Adelman, Katie J. Beckman, Dean J. Campbell, Arthur B. Ellis, and George C. LisenskyThis paper describes a simple synthesis of an aqueous-based ferrofluid that may be used in an introductory science or engineering laboratory. This paper also describes a method for repelling both oil- and water-based ferrofluid from solid surfaces that would otherwise be stained by the fluid. Finally, a demonstration of the interaction between ferrofluid and magnetic fields, in which ferrofluid is induced to leap upward by a stack of magnets, is described. Enzel, Patricia; Adelman, Nicholas B.; Beckman, Katie J.; Campbell, Dean J.; Ellis, Arthur B.; Lisensky, George C. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 943.

How To Learn and Have Fun with Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) and White GlueV. de Zea Bermudez, P. Passos de Almeida, and J. Féria SeitaThe general behavior of Newtonian, shear-thinning, shear-thickening, thixotropic, negative thixotropic, and viscoelastic fluids is characterized and briefly discussed in terms of existing theoretical models. Whenever possible, examples of these types of fluids taken from everyday life are given for better understanding.de Zea Bermudez, Verónica; de Almeida, P. Passos; Seita, J. Féria. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1410.

The Disappearing LiquidH. D. Gesser and Ian WardMixing ethanol and water in a volumetric flask results in a noticeable reduction in the volume of the mixture.Gesser, H. D.; Ward, Ian. J. Chem. Educ.1997, 74, 1357.

Liquids |

Solutions / Solvents |

Atomic Properties / Structure

Elements of Curriculum Reform: Putting Solids in the FoundationArthur B. EllisUntil recently, solids were a relatively small part of the chemistry curriculum. Helping to close this particular gap between the research and educational enterprises was the objective of the Ad Hoc Committee for Solid-State Instructional Materials, formed in 1990.Ellis, Arthur B. J. Chem. Educ.1997, 74, 1033.

Materials Science |

Solid State Chemistry |

Nanotechnology |

Magnetic Properties

A Simple Laboratory Demonstration of ElectrochromismBertil ForslundA laboratory exercise in which students are asked to construct an electrochromic cell, consisting of a thin, transparent layer of WO3 on a glass plate with a thin, transparent, and conducting surface coating of doped SnO2.Forslund, Bertil. J. Chem. Educ.1997, 74, 962.

A Quantitative Conductance ApparatusDanny Burns and Don LewisCircuitry, electrode configuration and calibration procedures are described for a conductance device. An alternative construction of the circuit is given allowing computer capture of the instrument response. Burns, Danny; Lewis, Don. J. Chem. Educ.1997, 74, 570.

The importance of understanding structure Galasso, FrankSolid state chemistry and its link with atomic structure is a topic that is still being neglected in students' education., despite the interesting scientific discoveries and developments that will likely be relevant in students' lives and possible careers.Galasso, Frank J. Chem. Educ.1993, 70, 287.

A vapor pressure demonstration Sears, Jerry A.The fact that all liquids exert a vapor pressure is an abstract concept that many students have difficulty understanding. The following demonstration offers dramatic, visual evidence of the pressure exerted by the vapor of a liquid.Sears, Jerry A. J. Chem. Educ.1990, 67, 427.

Buoyancy measurements for teaching and researchMiller, BernardThe following examination of the venerable buoyancy principle can serve as a simple but rigorous illustration of a falsification test that not only clears up a possible misconception but also points the way to a number of practical uses of buoyancy measurements that have not generally been recognized.Miller, Bernard J. Chem. Educ.1989, 66, 267.

Composition of gas hydrates. New answers to an old problemCady, George H.The author provides a discussion on nonstoichiometric crystalline solids as they deserve attention in elementary chemistry courses because they are interesting and increasingly important. Laboratory activities are included.Cady, George H. J. Chem. Educ.1983, 60, 915.

Solid state labs: The bubble raftMcCormick, P. D.Method for producing bubble rafts and experiments for using them to demonstrate the properties of crystals.McCormick, P. D. J. Chem. Educ.1975, 52, 521.

Density gradients in chemistry teachingMiller, P. J.Outlines experiments in which a density gradient may be used to advantage, including the analysis of organic compounds, aqueous solutions, binary mixtures of organic compounds, solids, and solvent extractions.Miller, P. J. J. Chem. Educ.1972, 49, 278.

Aqueous Solution Chemistry |

Solids |

Physical Properties |

Solutions / Solvents

Sealed tube experimentsCampbell, J. A.Lists and briefly describes a large set of "sealed tube experiments," each of which requires less than five minutes to set-up and clean-up, requires less than five minutes to run, provides dramatic results observable by a large class, and illustrates important chemical concepts.Campbell, J. A. J. Chem. Educ.1970, 47, 273.

Crystal modelsOlsen, Robert C.This short note illustrates a model designed to demonstrate the number of particles in a crystal that can be assigned to a unit cell.Olsen, Robert C. J. Chem. Educ.1967, 44, 728.

Flow of glass under its own weightDingledy, DavidA common misconception of the nature of glass found in general chemistry texts is that ordinary glass will flow under its own weight at room temperatures.Dingledy, David J. Chem. Educ.1962, 39, 84.

Demonstrating the relative polarity of non-conducting liquidsSiegel, S.The apparatus described is based on the principle that an increase in the dielectric constant of the medium causes a decrease in the force of attraction between charged particles (in this case, two plastic beads).Siegel, S. J. Chem. Educ.1960, 37, 368.

Growing crystals: A survey of laboratory methodsFehlner, Francis P.The purpose of this article is to provide basic information and readily available references for anyone wishing to begin the production of crystals.Fehlner, Francis P. J. Chem. Educ.1956, 33, 449.